Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements inventions 04/08

20080095293 - C-pinch, plasma-ring thermonuclear fusion reactors and method: A plasma-ring generator is provided where a multitude of capacitors discharge across arc-points arranged ina circular or other configuration to cause a plasma-ring or plasma-structure with a circulating electric current to be formed.... Agent: James Scott Hacsi

20080095294 - Methods and apparatus for electric power grid frequency stabilization: Methods and apparatus for operating a combined-cycle power system are provided. The method includes operating the steam turbine, the combustion turbine, and the steam source at steady state operating conditions. Upon sensing a grid frequency deviation away from the standardized grid frequency value, determining a current thermal energy capacity of... Agent: John S. Beulick (17851)

20080095295 - Storage of nuclear fuel: The invention relates to a nuclear fuel storage unit (10) which includes a vessel (12) and at least one tubular member (22) which extends through the vessel (12), opposite ends thereof opening out of the vessel (12) at spaced apart positions, to define an internal coolant flow path and such... Agent: Senniger Powers LLP

20080095296 - Expanded nuclear fuel channel: A fuel channel for housing a fuel rod bundle in a boiling water nuclear reactor includes an expanded section to create an increased flow area at a top of the fuel channel and thereby reduce a pressure drop through the fuel channel. The expanded section eliminates a need for channel... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.

20080089460 - Proton generator apparatus for isotope production: The invention relates to a particle producing apparatus adapted to utilize a star mode of inertial electrostatic confinement of a glow discharge induced ion and neutral gas mixture of fusible low atomic number isotope species to generate protons or neutrons in a macro linear geometry, the apparatus comprising a hermetically... Agent: Collard & Roe, P.C.

20080089461 - Fuel rods for nuclear reactor fuel assemblies and methods of manufacturing thereof: A fuel rod for a nuclear reactor includes the fuel rod having a first axial zone positioned proximate to a bottom end, a second axial zone positioned adjacent to the first axial zone in the intermediate region, and a third axial zone positioned proximate to a top end. The first... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080084957 - Nuclear reactor fuel assemblies: A nuclear fuel assembly having improved dimensional stability to support aggressive fuel management wherein the fuel skeleton lateral stiffness is enhanced by the addition of a second joint attachment between the control rod guide thimble and spacer grid support sleeve.... Agent: Westinghouse Electric Company, Llc

20080084958 - Neutron shielding ring, apparatus and method using the same for storing high level radioactive waste: An apparatus, system and method for storing high level radioactive waste. In one aspect, the invention is a specially designed ring-like structure for providing neutron and gamma radiation shielding for high level radioactive materials that produce residual heat. In another aspect, the invention is an apparatus for storing radioactive waste... Agent: Wolf, Block, Schorr & Solis-cohen LLP

20080080659 - Neutron tubes: A neutron tube or generator is based on a RF driven plasma ion source having a quartz or other chamber surrounded by an external RF antenna. A deuterium or mixed deuterium/tritium (or even just a tritium) plasma is generated in the chamber and D or D/T (or T) ions are... Agent: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

20080080660 - Method of manufacturing a fuel cladding tube for a nuclear reactor, and a tube obtained thereby: A method for production of a fuel cladding tube for a nuclear reactor, characterised by the preparation of an ingot of an alloy of zirconium with the following composition by weight %: 0.8%≦Nb≦2.8%, traces≦Sn≦0.65%, 0.015%≦Fe≦0.40%, C≦100 ppm, 600 ppm≦O≦2300 ppm, 5 ppm≦S≦100 ppm, Cr+V≦0.25%, Hf≦75 ppm and F≦1 ppm the... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP